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Monthly Archives: June 2012

Cruise time…I know you are thinking “cruise” seems awfully un-chic！Well I disagree! I think the key is taking a specialty charter…in my instance it’s a GAY charter…2,000 gay men from allover the world ready to party! They bring in their own djs and entertainers and totally customize the experience. There are charters of all kinds, so check it out!
I am setting sail for the entire Spanish coast including Morocco!
Tonight is dancing on deck and a performance by Kimberly Locke (you will remember her from American Idol). Bon Voyage from Holland America’s newest ship, m/s Nieuw Amsterdam!

Barcelona…I am mesmerized by the beauty all around. Gaudi’s influence is allover this town! La Pedrera, Sagrada Familia Cathedral, and Casa Batllo. What struck me over and over today was how accessible smart design is in this Catalan city! It’s all around…modern and chic, yet not so high minded that it escapes most people! Buildings, fountains, and wide boulevards made to stroll, Barcelona is stimulating my creativity at every turn. I wandered past all my favorite designer haunts on Passeig de Garcia and the store Vincon surprised me most…I wanted everything in the store for my home: the perfectly curated collection from Vitra, the fun pops of color from the Pantone collection, even the outdoor decor I can’t get out of my mind! This must be Spain’s hipster IKEA!

I set out on this trip to open my eyes and I already have…I arrived in Barcelona and checked into a small 3 star hotel called “Next To” for $100 a night ( you read correct!). Well in an ode to the city it’s in where there is a Zara and Mango on every corner…I learned you can not only dress in high style and save, but this design boutique hotel hits all the high notes at a great value. Plus it has an amazing roof terrace looking over La Pedrera! All I can say is wow…but I have to admit even though I don’t miss the 5 star digs, I do miss a plush Frette robe that usually comes with those digs!

I am packed and ready for a new chapter in my life! Travel is calling my name…

What I know is fashion and style are not simply learned or attained by sitting around surrounded by the familiar, nor does it come to you from looking at fashion magazines saying “Oh this looks GREAT!” or “Super CHIC”…Fashion is a way of life. It is a global statement about who we are, why we live, and a culmination of the greater flavours of life found around the world. A world of inspiration is out there!

Every day I look at my gallery wall of travel photos in my apartment and it reminds me of how I have traveled the four corners of the world. I am consumed by the beauty, style, and culture that the world offers! Now I am ready to set out on my biggest adventure ever and I am chomping at the bit…

Stay tuned for months of “wow moments”! I am going to seriously add to that gallery on my wall and share it all with you!